Manufacturing large shafts by a novel flexible skew rolling process

When manufacturing large shafts with multi-specification and small-batch production, both the conventional forging and rolling process bring a high tooling cost due to heavy forging press or large-size specialized roller. In this study, a novel flexible skew rolling (FSR) process is proposed by adding degrees of freedom to the rollers as compared to the typical skew rolling process. Since each of the FSR rollers has three degrees of freedom (circle rotating, radial rotating and radial feeding), the FSR process can be divided into four stages: radial rolling, rollers inclining, skew rolling and rollers levelling. Therefore, the FSR process can produce various shafts with same rollers via programming different movements. To verify the feasibility of FSR process, a physical investigation corresponding with a numerical simulation for a single-step shaft is undertaken with a Φ80×390 mm C45 steel billet. According to the results from physical experiments and numerical simulations, the FSR formed shaft has a maximum deviation of 0.99 mm, and its microstructure and properties have been improved obviously. Moreover, although there is a tendency of center crack in FSR products as predicted by numerical results, both the transverse and longitudinal section of the physical shaft are free from central cracking. The major forming defects existed on the rolled shaft are knurled pockmarks, surface threads and side cavity, which are the typical defects of the conventional skew rolling and cross-wedge rolling and can be removed by machining. To the authors’ knowledge, this novel process has a good combination of flexible production and less loading, which will be of great engineering significance to reduce the tooling cost in large shafts manufacturing.

Prediction of the parameters and the hot open die elongation forging process on an 80 MN hydraulic press

The main task of the study was to develop and implement predictive control in the hot open die forging process of heavy, large, and hard deformable steel forgings on an 80 MN hydraulic press at the Forged Products Department (FPD) of Celsa Huta Ostrowiec (CHO). The predicted hot flow stresses and the predicted deformation/forging forces as a function of the parameters of the elongation forging process were determined. The predicted parameters of the forging process were included in the dynamic model of the hydraulic forging press. Generalized predictive control (GPC) algorithm of the hot open-die forging process on the hydraulic press was developed. The use of predictive control solved the uncertainty of the hot open forging process, which depends on the dimensions, shapes, and material properties of the forgings, as well as the parameters of the hydraulic press and forging tools.

Temperature Increase during Isothermal Forging of Ti-5Al-2Sn-2Zr-4Cr-4Mo Alloy Using a 1500-Ton Forging Press

In this study, the temperature increase of the Ti-17 alloy (Ti–5Al–2Sn–2Zr–4Cr–4Mo, wt.%) during isothermal forging in the (α + β) dual-phase region was investigated using large-size workpieces forged between hot dies in a 1500-ton forging press. The temperature increase was predicted using finite element analysis (FEA). The tip of a thermocouple was inserted into the center of the workpiece (diameter: 100 mm; height: 50 mm). The forging temperatures were 1023 K (750 °C) and 1073 K (800 °C) in the (α + β) dual-phase region. The strain rate was 0.05 s−1 and 0.5 s−1 at each temperature. Meanwhile, the compression percentage was 75%. The true stress–true strain curves were inversely obtained by fitting the load–stroke curves using the FEA. The predicted temperature was in a good agreement with that in the experimental results when the value of 1.0 was used as the conversion factor for plastic deformation energy to heat energy in the FEA under the current forging conditions. At the strain rate of 0.5 s−1, the temperature instantly increased to a β-transus temperature in 3 s at 1073 K (800 °C). In contrast, the temperature logarithmically increased at both 1023 K (750 °C) and 1073 K (800 °C) at 0.05 s−1 in 28 s (e.g., 42 K at 1023 K (750 °C)). The obtained true stress–true strain curves indicate that flow softening occurred during the forgings, which is attributed to dynamic recrystallization and/or dynamic recovery. The temperature increase in the Ti-17 alloy was smaller than that in the Ti–6Al–4V alloy under the same forging condition.

The thermal balance of forging press and influence of its thermal state to machine and its operation

The paper deals with the influence of the thermal state of the machine on its function and product accuracy. The results of the experimental measurement on a particular machine are presented and consequently a virtual simulation of the thermal state of the working space depending on the time of its operation of the machine is performed. Model examples for changed boundary conditions are calculated with respect to the possibility of reducing energy consumption while maintaining a constant thermal state of the machine. Based on the simulation of the thermal state a structural analysis is performed to determine the effect of thermal conditions on the clearance of the ram guiding.

Preliminary Study on the Capability of the Novel Near Solidus Forming (NSF) Technology to Manufacture Complex Steel Components

The benefits of the novel Near Solidus Forming (NSF) process has shown previously in its ability to produce steel components with comparable as-forged mechanical properties but with a cost reduction of 10–15%. This study further pushes the NSF technology to produce parts that are conventionally difficult to produce via conventional methods. A 2.7 kg 42CrMo4 steel grade component was manufactured into a complex geometry using only a 400t press. Different manufacturing parameters were evaluated to show their influence on the process and final component. A combination of X-ray fluorescence (XRF), optical microscopy and SEM analysis of the microstructure was also conducted revealing the deformation pattern of the material and shedding some light on how the material evolves during the process. The successful forging of these components shows the capability to produce previously deemed difficult geometries, with much a lower specification forging press, in a single deformation.

Energy-Saving Hot Open Die Forging Process of Heavy Steel Forgings on an Industrial Hydraulic Forging Press

The study deals with the energy-saving process of hot open die elongation forging of heavy steel forgings on an 80 MN industrial hydraulic forging press. Three innovative energy-saving power supply solutions useful for industrial hydraulic forging presses were analyzsed. The energy-saving power supply of hydraulic forging presses consists in reducing electricity consumption by the electric motor driving the pumps, reducing the noise emitted by pumps and reducing leaks in hydraulic piston cylinders. The predicted forging force as a function of heavy steel forging heights for various deformation temperatures and strain rates was determined. A simulation model of the 80 MN hydraulic forging press is presented, which is useful for determining the time-varying parameters during the forging process. An energy-saving control for the hydraulic forging press based on the forging process parameters’ prediction has been developed. Real-time model predictive control (MPC) was developed based on multiple inputs multiple outputs (MIMO), and global predictive control (GPC). The GPC has been implemented in the control system of an 80 MN industrial hydraulic forging press. The main advantage of this control system is the repeatability of the forging process and minimization of the size deviation of heavy large steel forgings